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EDITORIAL: Juneteenth 2023/ Elevated Commitment of Giving Time,
Talent & Treasure to our Community
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This past 2023 Juneteenth, in the midst of the current U.S. and global crisis, has been a time for celebration, reflection, and recommitment to "serve" our people's movement for liberation from white supremacy and all oppression and exploitation! Our human rights, as well as Mother Earth, are under assault by wealthy capitalist rulers. We have a role to play by stepping up, engaging, resisting, and serving our own people's mission....a better society and world.
When we serve — giving our time, talent, or treasure to something greater than ourselves — we begin actively shaping the course of our future...a better society and better world than the U.S. and its global corporate capitalism have imposed upon us! We must all find time to serve "this mission" in the midst of the present crisis in this country, our communities, and our individual lives. This role of “active service”...or activism in our community and workplaces is an elevated commitment that requires sacrifice and dedication. COME JOIN US AT THE FRUIT OF LABOR WORLD CULTURAL CENTER IN THIS MISSION!
Do not underestimate the power we all have collectively! Together we are building our people's movement with artistic culture, community and workplace organizing, political education, consensus, listening and learning from each other, and focusing on direct action solutions. The same attributes you have used to build your family can be used to build a better, community, society, and world! Our freedom-fighting ancestors' legacy affects countless lives through YOU.
JOIN US.
SEE YOU SOON!
FOLWCC volunteers
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Exciting FOLWCC Juneteenth Celebration engages new activists
in our community/workplaces
Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center's 24th Annual Community Juneteenth event was celebrated with song, spoken word, education, and good food! We also continued our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Black Workers for Justice and Father's Day. A full house of attendees enjoyed great presentations from young artists, including poet Terence Whidbee, jazz pianist Elmer Gibson, and the Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble with guest harmonica player Jon Baker and sister, Nature Blue.
A Community Speak Out led by youth and community members present emphasized struggles, challenges, and issues currently facing the Black community. Legislative, voting, labor, education, and housing updates were also shared. Many volunteered to join our community and workplace organizing efforts.
If you missed this year's celebration, make sure you don't miss our special 25th Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center Anniversary on Sunday, June 16, 2024!
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Minimum Wage Speech and Performance at
24th Annual FOLWCC JUNETEENTH
By Terrence Whidbee
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Good afternoon, fellow freedom fighters, activists, revolutionaries, creatives, and community members. We are gathered here today to celebrate an event in which we not only embrace our freedom but also take back our power from those whose mission is to oppress us in any way possible. While there are many pertinent issues that must be discussed involving our current fights and struggles, I am here to address the current status of the minimum wage.
Seven dollars and twenty-five cents. Think about that. Within a 40-hour workweek, one could earn $290 before taxes, and after they are looking at around $275. Multiply that by 4, considering there are 4 weeks in a month, and you get a clear picture of just how dire the situation is. $1,100 is what you're left with. Upon research, you will find that the average rent in a city like Raleigh is around $1,500. Do the math, and a person will already be in the negative before they have even gotten food to put on their table, let alone the rising cost of gas and the impact of inflation in every sector nationwide.
This is the harsh reality for many of our brothers and sisters. Day by day, it seems like a living hell when you are trying to make ends meet, and this is not even considering those who may have children or sick family members to take care of. The ones establishing these wages sit in big houses, protected by a sense of wealth most likely built on the backs of the working class, while those who work tirelessly can barely afford a meal, let alone decent living conditions. Does this seem fair? Does this seem just? Really think about it. The gap is so wide; we could fit a thousand buses of those who 2 are impoverished and still have enough room to run an old-fashioned football play right through the middle.
While this is no laughing matter, many of us are not aware of the impact because we are either not directly affected due to better careers or we do not think that there is a solution to the problem and have simply given up. Couple this with the fact that the youth of today are not concerned with getting a standard job, and the working class will certainly face the repercussions. We are not in the industrial age anymore; the information age began over a decade ago, and we are advancing into a technological evolution only seen in science fiction movies. The youth have also been enticed with scamming and other illegal activities, risking their freedom in exchange for a quick buck or a come-up. Is this what our ancestors laid their lives down for? Is this the future they envisioned while fighting for our freedom? I would think not, but sadly, this is the reality.
It is not a reality that we have to accept. I, for one, refuse to accept that this is what the working class has been reduced to. The heart, soul, and backbone of the American economy have been reduced to a mere afterthought. We are the people, and with the people comes power. Without us, this system fails and is buried in the dirt along with the sinful acts they have committed for generations. My concern is not their system or what they value. My only concern is that our people are properly compensated for the labor, work, and energy they put in each and every day. This is not an American law; these are the laws of Nature. In nature, each organism and resource works in a system where they get in return the energy given. You reap what you sow, and it's time we get to reaping the fruits of our labor.
Thank you.
Terrence Whidbee
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JULY 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
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Tuesday, July 4; 1:00-2:30 PM; What to the Slave is the 4th of July; A video preview, reading, and discussion about Fredrick Douglas’s famous speech delivered on July 5, 1852. There will be refreshments; RSVP to (919) 876-7187 or fruitoflaborwcc@netscape.com.
Saturday, July 8; 9:30-10:30 AM; Workin’ It Out – a Free Community Zumba Class with Jordan. Our exercise classes in the parking lot are back!! Stretching, toning, aerobic, dance – we’ve got it all for participants who are beginners, may have limitations, or are advanced. Plus, we’ll have a 10-minute “Livin’ More than Just Enough” Health talk about overcoming disparities and healthcare access in our communities. So, come out, bring your towel, and be ready to get on the road to better fitness and to building healthier lifestyles in Black and Brown communities. Water and healthy snacks will be available. RSVP to Donnae or Nathanette at (919) 876-7187 or register at Eventbrite; search: Free Community Health Classes. Classes are free, but donations are greatly appreciated!
Saturday, July 8; 1:00-5:00 PM; Fun in the Sun Summerfest & Social Justice Fish Fry at FOLWCC! Live music featuring R&B songstress Nature Blue, games, prizes, DJ, poetry, community good news & speak out. Plates are $12 and sandwiches are $7. We suggest you pre-order at (919) 876-7187 or email fruitoflaborwcc@netscape.com because we’re guaranteed to sell out! Wear funky and outrageous sunglasses and get a $2 discount on your plate!
Sunday, July 16; 4:00-5:00 PM; Black Workers for Justice Women’s Commission Working Group hosts part 4 of a book review and discussion of “What’s Love Got to Do With It” - a book by Donna Franklin about the relationships between Black men and women. This will be an in-person, at the FOLWCC, and virtual discussion. Call or text Wille Roberts at (252) 640-0944 for more information and to register.
Saturday, July 22; 9:30-10:30 AM; Virtual Flex & Flow – Power Yoga, Core Conditioning & Breath Class, taught by Donnae; Black bodies being murdered by police, mass shootings, rising inflation, grief, anxiety, and depression are things that impact our mental and physical health. Participate in this FREE class to help begin to release this trauma. So, come out, bring your mat and towel. We have extra mats, if needed, water and healthy snacks will be available. RSVP to Donnae at (919) 876-7187 or register at Eventbrite; search: Free Community Health Classes. Classes are free, but donations are greatly appreciated!
Saturday, July 22; 1:00 – 2:00 PM; Write Revolution Vol 1 - Write Revolution is a poetry workshop series centered around inspiring, challenging, and guiding participants through crafting their own evolution. Instructor, Hausson Bryd will teach the workshop. For any questions, comments, or concerns, contact Hausson at progressinked@gmail.com. Tickets can be purchased on a sliding scale of $5 - $15 by paying at the door, Cashapp or Venmo. To Register, Fill Out This Form
Saturday, July 26; 12:00 PM; Basic Organizing 101 Training; Contact Angaza at (919) 876-7187 to register.
Saturday, July 26; 2:00-3:00 PM; Financial Health Workshop-Using the 5 Laws of Credit to buy your home or make primary family investments during present hard times. You must email or call our office at (919) 876-7187 to reserve your seat at the FOLWCC.
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Reserve the Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center for your Special Event!
The Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center is the perfect beautiful venue for your special event. Contact us today for information about our very reasonable rates and availability. Call (919) 876-7187, 919-231-2660 or email fruitoflaborwcc@netscape.com.
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Music has a way of finding the big, invisible moving
pieces inside our hearts, minds and souls!
INSPIRING, ENGAGING, EDUCATING, AND LIBERATING!
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Nicky Thomas - Is It Because I'm Black? | | | | |
